3.5 stars ⭐ I haven't read The Count of Monte Cristo in a very long time, so I can't really speak on whether this was a good retelling, but it was a decent story. I picked up this book when I wanted something a little different and I wanted to read a book that I didn't see much hype about. I really loved the writing style, I enjoyed the revenge plot, and the two main characters had interesting storylines, but this really didn't seem like a fantasy book at all. The only aspect that can be considered fantasy about this book is that it takes place in a fictional world with some mythological stories. I know there is a second book so I'm curious to continue the series since it did leave off on somewhat of a cliffhanger, but otherwise I feel like this could've been made into a standalone.

I was and am still a HUGE fan of Tara's Timekeeper trilogy. It will remain as one of my favorite fantasies. So naturally, I was very excited for Tara's newest YA fantasy, Scavenge the Stars. Unfortunately for me, it was kind of a disappointment. 

I only finished the book a week ago, and I can barely even remember what happened. I wasn't very interested in the story, or the characters. I kept asking myself "why do I care?" and I won't lie, I almost DNF'd the book a few times. But because I love Tara and her other series, I felt like I should give it a shot. 

What I remember the *most* about this novel were the characters. Cayo's POV was probably my favorite out of the two - he was far more interesting to me than Amaya. But still, the characters felt very one-dimensional and flat, versus dynamic and interesting. The ending I do remember most, when everything unraveled. It kept me intrigued enough to finish, but overall it was predictable and disappointing. 

Even though Scavenge didn't really work for me, I do think this will still be a novel other YA readers may end up loving, and perhaps people who enjoy The Count of Monte Cristo. Sadly, I most likely will not be continuing this series.

Let me start with the obvious and best part about this book. Gender-swapped Count of Monte Cristo retelling. I mean, come on! How was this not in my hands months ago? I have long forgotten how many times I've watched the 2002 film, but I have most certainly not forgotten how incredible that story was. Even if this was god-awful—which it's not—Sim will forever have my respect for taking on this retelling. As it is, I'm thrilled with it!

This story unfolds through the eyes of our two wonderful protagonists:

Gosh, this doesn't deserve the poor 3.5 avg rating. It's a fun, quick read which can stand ground next to many other YA Fantasy.

The main couple of characters are fun and likeable, the female mc is a girl pretending to be a noble, but still has habits from her old, very non-noble life, which creates some quirky moments, and the male mc is a sweet guy despite some stupid things he did when he was younger (at least he's not your usual boring brooding hero). The romance doesn't go beyond kissing, so it doesn't have this very rushed feel many YA novels have, and I imagine there's still the sequel to develop further (which I haven't read at the point of writing this).

I saw people complaining about worldbuilding, but I didn't have an issue with it. It takes place in a city which 2 empires want to grab into their spheres of influence (one Empire sounds like China or Japan, and the other one like India), it isn't the usual "hey this is fake China / India with fantasy names" and maybe that's why people take umbrage that it's more of an inspiration than a carbon copy.

4.5 stars rounded up.

• Love a revenge story 
• We have bi representation hereeee
• Twisty-turny plot

This book is an excellent story of revenge, desperation, forbidden love, and politics...everything we YA fantasy readers love! I've not read The Count of Monte Cristo which this is a retelling of, so I can't speak of how good/true a retelling it is, but one it's own it definitely kept me interested until the end, with both POVs (which for me, is rare to have equal interest in the POVs). I can't wait for this book to come out, and for its sequel!

I mean, yeah, some vengeance and intrigue, but The Count, this is not. Amaya could have been way more kick ass. And Cayo was essentially useless. I wanted better.

I somehow missed the part where this wasn't a standalone. Boo. But this means more revenge and knives in part two right??